Tribute to Simon Pearce who volunteered at Banbury United FC

The challenge, being organised by Katharine House Hospice in honour of Simon Pearce, who was described as a ‘stalwart’ of the club.

It requires participants to collectively cover over 40,000 miles in 30 days, equating to circumnavigating the globe, with the virtual route starting and finishing at the hospice.

Participants in the event, which includes walking, running, cycling, swimming, and even gardening, will have their every mile counted towards the shared total.

The Challenge takes place throughout June this year.

Simon Pearce, whose passing was announced on Thursday, March 12, volunteered from a young age as a ball boy and remained a loyal supporter of both the men’s and women’s team throughout his life.

The football club first announced his passing in a statement on Thursday, March 12, describing him as a ‘stalwart’ of the organisation.

He also served as the club’s mascot throughout the 1990s and continued to support the club both home and away.

A tribute shared by Banbury United FC after his death said: “Simon was a dedicated and long-serving member of the Banbury United family.

“Simon’s passion and commitment to the club will always be remembered.

“Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all those who knew him.”

Katharine House Hospice provided Simon with care in the last months of his life, and the club says it wants to give back in his memory.

People can join the Banbury United FC team or contribute directly towards the £50 fundraising target per entrant.

Registration costs £20 until midnight on Thursday, April 30.

Registrations following this date will cost £30.

Entrants sign up by filling out an online form, ensuring to enter ‘Banbury United FC’ as their team when prompted.

For those willing to cover the minimum £50 fundraising target per person themselves, this can be achieved via the online form.

Participants will gain access to the Pace Around the World website from May 26 and get a Katharine House T-shirt, ready for collection from the hospice from June 1.

No fitness tracker is necessary for this event, as steps and activities can be manually added.

If participation in the challenge isn’t possible, donations are also greatly appreciated and can be made through the team’s JustGiving page, starting with a target of £500.

All proceeds will go directly to Katharine House Hospice in memory of Simon.

Katharine House Hospice costs over £5.9 million to run annually, with fundraising efforts covering two-thirds of this amount.

For further details or questions, you can contact Claire via email at clairedumbreck@banburyunitedfc.co.uk.